SAN ANGELO, Texas, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Warren Jeffs, leader of a polygamist breakaway Mormon group, had not-guilty pleas entered for him Wednesday after he said he does not yet have a Texas lawyer.
Jeffs, extradited to Texas last month, faces sexual assault and bigamy charges. He told 51st District Judge Barbara Walther he has been interviewing lawyers and expects to retain one next week, the San Angelo Standard-Times reported.
"You told me that in November," the judge answered.
Jeffs heads the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, founded by his father, Rulon Jeffs. The charges against him involve activities at Yearning for Zion Ranch, a church compound in Texas.
Walther entered not guilty pleas for Jeffs and told him she will appoint a lawyer if he cannot find one. He is scheduled to go on trial Jan. 24.
Twelve men, including Jeffs, have been charged based on evidence seized at the ranch. Seven have been convicted, receiving sentences ranging from six years to 75.
